Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems virgin v+ HD cable box

I can't find any reference to this machine in previous posts. Am I the first on this forum to combine a v+ with a Meridian hi-fi system?
It is probably much like watching on Sky HD, but with more limited HD content. In my case, Sky was not really an option, however (listed building, trees in the way, etc)

The BBC HD channel provides utterly brilliant pictures on most of its admittedly limited material, and a majority of the ordinary SD channels also produce excellent images. I had no problem routing the sound to my DSP6000s via the optical input on my old 518. The HD recorder section can record two channels at once and you can still watch a third. Very clever and a huge advance on the old PACE box that Virgin/NTL use for their standard services

I have experimented by swapping between Planet Earth DVD scaled to 1080i on my G98 and Planet Earth in full HD. They were both excellent, but the v+ HD recording was a clear winner and although we were fixated on the stunning images I don't recall any difference in the sound quality.
The HD broadcasts can be set to give a 5.1 bitsteam, but I had to set it to output stereo because that is all I have.
BTW you don't buy this, but rent it - not cheap but part of a big and good value package, especially if you want or need the sky sports and movies channels that are thrown in. Not so good if you don't because you can't save money by declining them.

Don't know how long you've had the V+ box but I've had mine since Jan 2006 (as a telewest tvdrive in the pre-full release period).

I use it into 421 for HDMI switching with 800 into Pioneer 504 and optical into 861 for sound.

HD pictures are great - BBC HD is a marvel especially when using 5.1. Upscaled to 720, SD is also good if the source is good (but poor channels like itv4 almost unwatchable).

I just wish it (or PS3) did coax out instead of optical I need more optical inputs on the 861 (or I'm gonna have to use 519 and/or 518) to convert if (or when) I succumb to the PS3 desires and have even more boxes...

regards

Chris

You can buy an adapter from Amazon.Com for less then 10 bucks, It takes PS3s optical and turns to digital coax. It works great with my 861 and PS3 and also my Dish DVR box "which is optical as well"and 861.